A classic Italian-inspired recipe featuring tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce with fragrant herbs, garlic, and vegetables, this Easy Chicken Cacciatore Stew Recipe. This is a hearty stew that’s ideal for rainy nights, and it has rich, satisfying flavors that will warm you from the inside out. And with the basics ingredients and steps, it’s a great homemade recipe for busy weeknights or low-key evenings at home.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The pot simmered sauce seeps deep into the chicken from the addition of tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, oregano, rosemary and more, giving it a rich flavor profile making it a dish that can be served along side pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Why You Will Like This Quick and Easy Chicken Cacciatore Stew
Delicious and moist chicken in a rich, tasty, tomato based sauce
A few no fuss ingredients you likely already have in the pantry
One-pot meal with minimal cleanup
Great for meal prep or family dinner
Versatile — serve with pasta, polenta or rice
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Brown the chicken:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil, over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add chicken, skin-side down, and cook until skin is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté vegetables:
In the same skillet, mix onions, garlic and bell peppers. Cook, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook 3 minutes more.
Add liquids and herbs:
Add crushed tomatoes and white wine (if using). Stir in oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
Simmer the stew:
Return chicken to the pan, turning so that it nestles into the sauce. Turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve:
Ladle over pasta, rice or polenta hot and sprinkled with the fresh parsley.
Tips for Best Results
You can either buy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which will be juicy and flavorful.
You can easily use boneless thighs, as well or even boneless breasts but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
White wine gives depth, though you can leave it out for a non-alcoholic version.
Alter red pepper flakes to sweeten or heat to liking.
It’s even better the next day warm,room temperature,or cold.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slower cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken before adding it to the pot, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
What to serve with chicken cacciatore?
Spoon over spaghetti, polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it naturally gluten-free if you eat it without the pasta or with gluten-free pasta.
Easy chicken cacciatore stew
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup dry white wine optional
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown chicken in olive oil until golden, 5–7 min each side; set aside.
- Sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers until soft; add mushrooms, cook 3 more minutes.
- Add tomatoes, wine, herbs, spices; stir well.
- Return chicken, simmer covered on low 30–35 min until cooked.
- Garnish with parsley; serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar near the end.
- Use fresh herbs if available for best flavor.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
